Analysis of MOT Tests Reveals Comparative Reliability
A recent study analyzing a massive dataset of 47.4 million MOT tests suggests that electric vehicles (EVs) with high mileage may prove to be more reliable than their petrol counterparts of the same age. According to the research, motorists purchasing used cars with substantial mileage may find an EV to be ultimately more durable than a conventional petrol car.
The findings specifically examined EVs ranging from 90,000 to 120,000 miles. In this bracket, the study determined that EVs were approximately 25% less likely to fail an MOT test compared to petrol models. Detailed statistics showed that the failure rate for EVs in this mileage range was 16.5%, contrasted with a failure rate of 22.1% for petrol cars.
The reliability advantage persisted even beyond 120,000 miles. For vehicles exceeding this mark, 16% of the EVs failed, while 23.5% of the petrol cars failed. However, the research noted that the difference in failure rates between the two fuel types was minimal when considering lower mileage vehicles.
Industry Experts Address Mileage Perception
The research was conducted by the consultancy New AutoMotive on behalf of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), coinciding with an increasing number of EVs entering the second-hand market, many having previously been part of commercial or leasing fleets and thus accumulating high mileage.
Toby Poston, the chief executive of the BVRLA, addressed the common consumer concern regarding mileage, noting that “mileage is one of the first things people look at when buying a used car, and passing 60,000 or 70,000 miles can have a big impact on how a vehicle is perceived.” He emphasized that the data contradicts the assumption that high mileage is automatically a detriment, adding: “What this data shows is that mileage alone should not put consumers off. A well-maintained, higher-mileage electric car can be an extremely durable used vehicle.”
Poston stressed that building confidence in used EVs is vital for establishing a healthy and affordable second-hand market as the industry transitions. Ben Nelmes, the chief executive of New AutoMotive, commented that high mileage “isn’t a proxy for poor condition in the way buyers have traditionally assumed. The data suggests the mechanical simplicity of an electric drivetrain starts to become increasingly valuable as cars accumulate miles.”
Important Limitations and Buyer Advice
While the study suggests increased reliability for EVs, researchers pointed out several areas where electric cars performed worse than petrol models. Specifically, EVs recorded nearly double the number of defects related to tyres. Furthermore, older, low-mileage electric cars displayed elevated friction-brake defects, which researchers attributed to corrosion due to less frequent use of the brakes.
It is critical to note that MOT tests assess statutory roadworthiness, covering components such as lights, suspension, tires, steering, and brakes. However, they do not measure crucial factors like battery health, degradation, or charging capability. Therefore, experts caution that buyers must consider these mechanical roadworthiness aspects alongside the battery condition when assessing any used EV.
Poston concluded by advising consumers not to overlook a thorough inspection, stating: “This isn’t an argument for buying a used EV without doing your homework. Buyers should look at its history, condition, tyres and battery health just as they would scrutinise the engine, gearbox and service history of a petrol or diesel car.”
